Legal Policies

Privacy Policy

CW's Privacy Policy ("Policy") sets out what information we collect, how we collect it, and what we do with it. If you have additional questions or would like further information on this topic, please feel free to write to us at CW, PO Box 180, Waterbury, VT 05676-0180. We may update this Policy from time to time, so please check this Policy periodically for changes.

 

Information about you
Your Information

As a global travel company, we may collect non-public, personal information directly from our customers, other persons on our customers' bookings or their agents. We define “personal information” as information that is unique to an individual and might include the following information: name, contact details, travel preferences and special needs/disabilities/dietary requirements that you supply us or is supplied to us, including any information about other persons on your booking. Your personal information is collected when you request information from us, contact us (and vice versa) or make a booking. You are responsible for ensuring that other members of your party are aware of the content of our Policy and consent to your acting on their behalf in all your dealings with us. We will update your information whenever we can to keep it current, accurate and complete.

Our Use of Your Personal Information

(1) For the purpose of providing you with our services, including your flight, holiday or insurance, etc., we may disclose and process your information outside of the United States. In order for you to travel abroad, it may be mandatory (as required by government authorities at the point(s) of departure and/or destination) to disclose and process your personal information for immigration, border control, security and anti-terrorism purposes, or any other purposes which they determine appropriate. These requirements may differ depending on your destination and you are advised to check. Even if not mandatory, we may exercise our discretion to assist where appropriate.

(2) If we do receive your personal information, we will only use it for the purposes described where it is collected, and we will not sell, license, transmit or disclose this information outside of CW unless (1) you expressly authorize us to do so, (2) it is necessary to allow our service providers or agents to provide services for us, (3) in order to provide our services to you (and contacting you where necessary), (4) it is disclosed to entities that perform marketing services on our behalf or to other entities with whom we have joint marketing agreements, (5) it is necessary in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of CW or the merger of CW into another entity or any consolidation, share exchange, combination, reorganization, or like transaction in which CW is not the survivor, (6) it is necessary in connection with other business purposes including, without limitation, customer care, service quality, business management and operation, risk assessment, security, fraud and crime prevention/detection, monitoring, research and analysis, marketing, customer purchasing preferences and trends, dispute resolution, credit checking and debt collection, or (7) otherwise as we are required or permitted by law.

If you are a California resident, you may ask us to refrain from sharing your personal information (whether collected online or offline) with third parties for their marketing purposes. Please tell us your preference by contacting us as indicated in the "How to Contact Us" section of this Policy.

If you do not agree to Our Use of Your Information above, we cannot do business with you or accept your booking.

Contests, Sweepstakes and Other Promotions

On our website, you may wish to participate in contests, sweepstakes and other promotions that we may offer from time to time. Through these promotions, you may choose to participate in activities such as sharing information found on our websites with others and sending email invitations. If you choose to participate in these promotions, and are eligible to do so, we may ask you for information such as your name, email address, date of birth and telephone number.

In connection with any contests, sweepstakes and other promotions that we may offer from time to time via the website, we use the information you provide to administer the contests, sweepstakes and other promotions. We also may use the information to communicate with you, or the other people you select, about our products and services or our partners may use such information to communicate with you about the contests, sweepstakes or other promotions or their products and services. In connection with such contests, sweepstakes and other promotions, we will not use information you provide about other people for any purpose except the purpose you direct without first getting their consent.

Direct Marketing Material

(1) We may from time to time contact you with information on offers of goods and services, brochures, new products, forthcoming events or competitions from our holiday divisions and our group companies. Our websites will assume you to agree to e-communications when you make a booking.

(2) You may indicate your preference regarding receiving third party direct marketing material.

(3) If do not wish to receive such information or would like to change your preference, please refer to point (2) of “Your Rights” below.

Email We appreciate your questions and comments about our organization and services and welcome your email messages to mailboxes listed on our website. We will share your messages with those within our organization that are most capable of addressing the issues contained in your message. We will keep a copy of your message until we have had an opportunity to address your concerns. We may archive your message for a certain period of time or discard it once it is no longer needed.

If our contact and dealing with you is via our website(s), we may use “cookies”. Cookies allow us to identify your computer, but not you personally. You can set your web browser to refuse cookies. However, you may not be able to enjoy all the facilities or book via our website if you do so.

However, if you also receive our email marketing, we will tailor the information we send you unless to tell us not to. This means we may use information we hold and cookies to identify your individual website search behavior and preferences. This will enable us to send you more personalized and relevant communications. You will be given the opportunity on every communication to opt-out of this personalization.

We collect information relating to customer trends and patterns and use cookies and software tools to measure site usage and related information. If you are making a purchase, we may also use cookies to keep track of the transaction from one web page to another.

In addition to the information we collect from cookies, we also obtain information which you provide to us online - for example, when you sign up for service updates or when you purchase services or otherwise communicate with us. In some cases, we retain both the cookie information and/or the information you provide to us online - for example, to complete a transaction you requested or to keep historical records of your past transactions. In other cases, we only retain the cookie and/or online information you give us if you request us to do so for your use in subsequent sessions.

An Internet Protocol ("IP") address is a unique identifier that certain electronic devices use to identify and communicate with each other on the Internet. When you visit our website, we may view the IP address (which may include the city, domain address and service provider) of the device you use to connect to the Internet. We use this information to determine the general physical location of the device and understand from what regions of the world our website visitors come. We also may use this information to enhance our website. Certain pages on our websites contain "web beacons" (also know as Internet tags, pixel tags and clear GIFs). These web beacons allow third parties to obtain information such as the IP address of the computer that downloaded the page on which the beacon appears, the URL of the page on which the beacon appears, the time the page containing the beacon was viewed, the type of browser used to view the page, and the information in cookies set by the third party.

Monitoring

To ensure that we carry out your instructions accurately, improve our service and for security, we may monitor and/or record: (1) telephone calls; (2) activities using CCTV in and around our premises; and (3) transactions and activities on our website. All recordings are and shall remain our sole property.

Security Statement

We have taken all reasonable steps and have in place appropriate security measures to protect your personal information.

Visiting our website from outside the United States

If you are visiting our website from outside of the United States or otherwise contacting us from outside of the United States, please be aware that your personal information may be transferred to, stored or processed in the United States, where our servers are located and our central database is operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country, but please be assured that we take steps to protect your privacy. By using our services, you understand that your information may be transferred to our facilities and those third parties with whom we share it as described in this Policy.

Changes to this policy

We may change this Policy at any time and from time to time. Any changes to this Policy will be either posted on our website, brochure and/or made available on request. The most recent version of the Policy is reflected by the version date located at the bottom of this Policy. This Policy is not intended to and does not create any contractual or other legal right in or on behalf of any party.

Links to other websites

For your convenience we may provide links to other websites and web pages that we do not control. We cannot be responsible for the privacy practices of any websites or pages not under our control and we do not endorse any of these websites or pages, the services or products described or offered on such sites or pages, or any of the content contained on those sites or pages.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Policy or would like to learn more about how we protect privacy, please write to us at CW, Legal Department, PO Box 180, Waterbury, VT 05676-0180.

Terms & Conditions

The acceptance of your Booking Form (either by completing your reservation online or signing and returning an Acknowledgement Form for reservations made by telephone) along with your deposit by CW, Inc. (hereinafter with its affiliates, owners, officers, agents and employees collectively referred to as "Country Walkers" or "CW") creates a contractual relationship between CW and you, the customer/participant in the travel package by CW. Please read the following information carefully. After reading the terms and conditions of your tour (the “Terms and Conditions”), in order for your tour reservation to be completed, you must indicate your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions by checking the appropriate box on your Booking Form for online reservations, or, for reservations made by telephone, by signing and returning the Acknowledgment Form mailed to you by CW. Australian & New Zealand Residents click here.

Limitation of Liability

CW purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant services and other services from various independent suppliers that are not subject to its control. Neither CW, its affiliates, owners, officers, agents, employees, nor any associate organization shall be held liable for any act, default, injury (including death), loss, expense, damage, deviation, delay, curtailment or inconvenience caused to or suffered by any person or their property, howsoever arising, which may occur or be incurred by any organization or person, even though such act, default, injury, loss, expense, damage, deviation, delay, curtailment or inconvenience may have been caused or contributed to: (a) by the act, neglect or default of CW, or of any persons for whose acts it would otherwise be responsible, or (b) defects or failures of any aircraft, vessel, automotive vehicle or other equipment or instrumentality under the control of independent suppliers. In issuing tickets for transportation of the purchaser by any means and making arrangements for hotel or other accommodation, CW is not acting as principal but only as agent for the companies, corporations or persons providing or offering the means of transportation and accommodation. You further understand that CW neither owns not operates such third party suppliers and accordingly, agree to seek remedies directly and only against those suppliers and not hold CW responsible for their acts or omissions. In no event will CW be responsible for incidental, consequential or special damage or loss suffered by any person. CW’s maximum liability, for any reason whatsoever, will be limited to the amount paid to CW for its services. Without limitation, CW is not responsible for any negligent or willful acts of God or force majeure, weather emergencies, breakdown, or failure of diving or mechanical equipment, government actions, inclement weather, sickness, attacks by animals, availability of medical care or the adequacy of the same, criminal activity of any kind, terrorism, war, civil disturbance, sanitary conditions, quality or sanitation of food, quarantine, customs, regulations, epidemics, strikes, hotel overbooking, safety and/or security standards at hotels or other accommodations, or for any other reason beyond the control of CW You understand, agree with, and agree to be legally bound by the terms of the release and waiver of liability set forth herein.

Headwater Self-Guided Walking and Biking Tours
CW acts only as the sales agent for the Self-Guided Walking and Biking Tours available on this website or in the CW brochure (the "Self-Guided Tours"). These Self-Guided Tours are operated by Headwater Holidays Limited ("Headwater"). CW accepts bookings for the Self-Guided Tours on behalf of Headwater and the customer on the condition that neither CW nor its affiliates, owners, officers, agents, employees, nor any associate organization shall be held liable for any act, default, injury (including death), loss, expense, damage, deviation, delay, curtailment or inconvenience caused to or suffered by any person or their property, howsoever arising, which may occur or be incurred by any organization or person, even though such act, default, injury, loss, expense, damage, deviation, delay, curtailment or inconvenience may have been caused or contributed to: (a) by the act, neglect or default of CW, or of any persons for whose acts it would otherwise be responsible, or (b) defects or failures of any aircraft, vessel, automotive vehicle, bicycle or other equipment or instrumentality under the control of independent suppliers, including, but not limited to Headwater.
Arbitration
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions or the performance there under, including without limitation any claim related to bodily injury, property damage or death, shall be settled by binding arbitration in the State of Delaware, USA in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then existing, and judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the controversy. This agreement to arbitrate does not waive or modify the liability release contained in this document. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive Delaware law. The dispute will be resolved by a single arbitrator who must be a lawyer admitted to practice in the courts of at least one state in the United States and have a minimum of fifteen years of experience in civil litigation. The arbitrator so described will be selected by the American Arbitration Association. Each party to the dispute shall have the right on a single occasion to veto the designation of an arbitrator so selected. There will be judicial review of the arbitrator’s decision if either side can show plain error in the application of law or be able to show an abuse of discretion with respect to factual findings. The parties waive the right to rely on any state law or statute which creates an exception to enforcement of the requirement that disputes be resolved pursuant to arbitration in the manner set forth herein.
Exclusive Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions and any actions and proceeding brought hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of laws principles. If the right to seek arbitration is for any reason waived by both parties, or if judicial review of any arbitration decision is sought, any action or legal proceeding to enforce any provision hereof, or based on any right arising out of, these Terms and Conditions shall be exclusively in the courts of the State of Delaware, or if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and all of the parties hereto hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and of the appropriate appellate courts in any such action or legal proceeding and waive any objection to venue or jurisdiction in connection therewith.
Waiver of Jury Trial
In connection with any action or legal proceeding arising out of this agreement, the parties hereby specifically and knowingly waive any rights that either party might have to demand a jury trial.
Sevarability
The invalidity or unenforceability of any part of these Terms and Conditions, or the invalidity of its application to a specific situation or circumstance, shall not affect the validity of the remainder of these Terms and Conditions, or its application to other situations or circumstances. Any provision of these Terms and Conditions held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.
Waiver
Any failure by either party at any time, or from time to time, to enforce or to require the strict keeping and performance of any of the Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of any such Terms and Conditions and shall not affect or impair such terms and conditions in any way or the right of such party at any time to avail itself of such remedies as it has for the breach or breaches of such terms and conditions.
Exclusivity
Except as otherwise expressly provided to the contrary, the rights herein granted and these Terms and Conditions are for the benefit of the parties hereto. The Terms and Conditions shall be exclusive of any advertising, marketing or other sales literature or activities of CW and nothing contained in any of such materials shall be construed to create any rights as a result of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions.
Acknowledgment of Risk
You understand and acknowledge that your travel in connection with and participation in the tour arranged at your request by CW may involve risk and potential exposure to injury. You also realize and acknowledge that risk and dangers may be caused by the negligence of the owners, directors, employees, contractors, subcontractors, officers or agents of CW or the negligence or participation of other participants, contractors and/or subcontractors to CW. You also recognize and acknowledge that risk and dangers may arise from foreseeable and unforeseeable causes, including weather and other acts of nature. You fully understand and acknowledge that the aforementioned risks, dangers and hazards are a potential in connection with recreational activities which may take place during your journey.
Express Assumption of Risk and Responsibility/Participation
In recognition of the inherent risk of the travels and related activities in which you are intending to engage, you confirm that you are physically and mentally capable of participating in the activity, that you are willingly and knowingly electing to participate in this tour in spite of the potential risk of danger, and you willingly and voluntarily assume full responsibility for any injury, loss or damage suffered by you or caused by you, whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the owners, directors, agents, officers, employees, or contractors of CW. You understand and acknowledge that reserves the right to accept or reject any participant for any reason, and CW or its guide has the right to disqualify you from any trip activity, if in CW's or such guide's judgment, you are incapable of that activity and/or your continued participation in the tour will endanger yourself or the safety of the group. It is your responsibility and obligation to inform CW, at the time your reservation is made, of any medical or physical disability or limitation that might disable you or render you unable to perform or safely complete the tour or any activity on the tour. You further acknowledge that you are the best judge of your own conditions and limitations and that it is incumbent upon you to fully disclose the full extent of any such conditions or limitations to CW.
Release of Liability
In consideration of the services and arrangements provided by CW, you, for yourself and for your heirs, personal representatives or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, hold harmless and agree to indemnify CW, and its owners, officers, directors, employees and affiliates from any and all claims, actions, or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services, lost profits, consequential, exemplary, indirect or punitive damages or otherwise which may arise out of or occur during your travel in connection with the scheduled travel package and any activities conducted in conjunction therewith. YOU SPECIFICALLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT YOU ARE RELEASING, DISCHARGING AND WAIVING ANY CLAIMS OR ACTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE PRESENTLY OR IN THE FUTURE FOR THE NEGLIGENT ACTS OR CONDUCT OF THE OWNERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR AFFILIATES OF CW.
Express Waiver of Consequential, Punitive or Exemplary Damages
Regardless of the situation or circumstances giving rise to a claim, you waive any right to seek consequential, punitive or exemplary damages against CW its owners, officers, directors, agents, contractors and employees, for any reason whatsoever.
Use of Likeness
You understand and consent that CW may use any likeness taken of you and any of your comments while on your tour for future publicity and promotional material.
Consumer Protection/Seller of Travel
CW is a registered brand of the United States Tour Operators Association and is fully covered by its Consumer Protection Plan. As a registered brand of the USTOA, CW is required to post $1 Million with the USTOA. This amount is to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of CW's customers in the unlikely event of CW's bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Complete details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program and a list of affiliates may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 2014, New York, New York 10016, or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting its website at www.ustoa.com.
IMPORTANT-Please Read
Your purchase is subject to your acceptance of these Terms & Conditions. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR TOUR.

For reservations made online: By checking the "I have read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions presented by CW" in the Billing Information Section of your Booking Form, you acknowledge that you have received, agreed to and read the Terms and Conditions and your Booking Form will constitute acceptance of the Terms and Conditions. Upon receipt of your completed Booking Form and your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions by CCW, a copy of the Terms and Conditions will be sent to you along with the confirmation package for your tour.

For reservations made via telephone: Upon receipt of your deposit by CW, a copy of the Terms and Conditions and an Acknowledgment Form will be sent to you along with the confirmation package for your tour. You must sign and return the Acknowledgment Form to CW prior to the commencement of your tour. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR TOUR. Should you have any questions, please call CW, Inc. at 800-464-9255.

Cancellation Policy

We strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance. Cancellations must be made in writing and fees are applied as noted below. Exceptions to this cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including personal emergencies, illness, or weather.

Guided, Self-Guided & Selects
  • Cancellations received 91 days prior to the start of the trip: $100 per person
  • Cancellations received 90 to 61 days prior to the start of the trip: 25 percent loss of trip price
  • Cancellations received within 60 days of the start of the trip: 100 percent loss of trip price
Small Ship Cruising
  • Cancellations received from the time of booking to 90 days prior to the start of the trip: $100 cancellation fee
  • Cancellations received from 89 to 61 days prior to the start of the trip: 50% loss of trip price
  • Cancellations received 60 or less days prior to the start of the trip: 100% of trip price
Safaris
  • Cancellations received 91 days prior to the start of the trip: 20% of deposit
  • Cancellations received 90 to 61 days prior to the start of the trip: 50% loss of trip price
  • Cancellations received 60 or less days prior to the start of the trip: 100% of trip price

Reservations and Payment

Planning ahead assures availability of travel dates as well as best airline rates. Group size is limited on Scheduled Group Departures and many trips sell out early. To reserve, choose from these options:
  • Call us at 800.464.9255—we’ll confirm your reservation by phone using your Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express card.
  • Reserve on our secure website. Click on the ‘Book Now’ button on an individual tour page.

The balance of your trip cost is due 90 days prior to the trip departure. You may pay by check, money order, or credit card. Please make checks payable in U.S. funds to Country Walkers, Inc. If your tour is within 90 days of booking, final payment is due immediately. If final payment is not paid when due, CW reserves the right to treat the reservation as canceled, resulting in the loss of previous deposits and payments.

Guided, Self-Guided, Selects & Small Ship

A $500 deposit per person is due at the time of reservation; the balance is due 90 days prior to the trip departure.

Safaris

A $500 deposit per person is due at the time of reservation; the balance is due 90 days prior to the trip departure.

Transfers

Guided, Self-Guided, Selects & Small Ship

Up to 91 days prior to departure, you may transfer your reservation, depending on availability, from one trip to another (in the same calendar year). You must notify us in writing, and a transfer fee of $50 per person will apply.

Safaris

Up to 91 days prior to departure, you may transfer your reservation, depending on availability, from one departure to another (on the same itinerary, in the same calendar year). You must notify us in writing, and will be charged a transfer fee of $50 per person plus any penalties related to internal airfare and/or seasonal price variations.

General Information

Tour pricing

Prices are subject to change. Prices based on double occupancy; single supplements and surcharges may apply.

Itinerary Changes

We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Confirmation Packet

Upon receipt of your deposit, we will mail or e-mail you a confirmation packet that includes information on what to bring, how to prepare for your trip, travel directions, pre- and post-trip hotel suggestions, a detailed itinerary, suggested reading material, and a trip cancellation insurance application. We also send Guest Information and Acknowledgement forms, which must be completed and returned no later than 90 days prior to the tour. Route notes are provided prior to travel for Self-Guided adventures.

Departures—Guaranteed

Booking an adventure with CW gives you peace of mind—your trip will never be cancelled due to lack of participation. We guarantee the departure of every Guided, Self-Guided, Select, and Safari trip from the moment of reservation. This is a significant advantage: we do receive inquiries from guests whose tours have been cancelled by other tour operators. This is an important guarantee, alleviating a common worry for many group travelers.

Travel Insurance

We recommend purchasing travel insurance—either through the application included with your confirmation packet or through your travel agent. This can help prevent needless loss in case of serious illness, accident, or death of the passenger, passenger’s immediate family, traveling companion, or traveling companion’s immediate family before your trip or while on your trip.

Terms & Conditions

Your purchase is subject to additional terms and conditions that apply to your trip. View the complete set of Terms & Conditions. Upon receipt of your deposit, you will be sent a confirmation package containing a form requiring your signed acceptance of the Term & Conditions. If this signed form is not received by our office by the tour start date, CW reserves the right to treat your reservation as canceled.

Trip Member Responsibility
  • As a trip member, your responsibility to CW and to other tour members includes:
  • Selecting a trip appropriate to your ability and interests
  • Being sufficiently healthy and attaining the proper fitness level to undertake the trip
  • Preparing for your trip by reading ALL of the pre-departure information sent to you by CW
  • Bringing along the appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Acting in an appropriate and respectful manner in accordance with the customs, cultures, and laws of the regions visited. CW reserves the right to accept, retain, or decline any tour member at any time, for any reason. In such a case, a refund equal to the actual cost of the unused services is the limit of CW’s responsibility.

Passport & Travel Documents

International travel requires a valid passport; many countries require that the passport be valid for 6 months after your travel dates. U.S. citizens may also need to obtain a visa for certain countries. If you do not have a passport and/or need a visa, please contact the appropriate consulate nearest you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid passport to join our tours.

As of December, 2012, a valid passport is required for all U.S. citizens (including children) traveling by air to and from Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America.